Shopchantal Stylefile

A big cyber hug to our fashionable web pal, Grechen of www.grechenscloset.com for her amazing blog post on Chantal’s five favorite things now available at shopchantal.com.

Click Here to read the great post and see what I picked as my top 5 pieces.  Here’s a hint: Think Victoria Beckham meets Lauren Conrad with a little splash of Heidi Klum.

Will you be surprised or is it totally something you could see me wearing?  I’d love to hear what you all think of my choices.

Comment below and let me know if you were surprised. I think some of it is spot-on “predictable”, but some of the pieces may be a little out of my realm of what you think I like. Regardless, these items really are my top five favs and I plan to rock them together and as separates all season long.

And a big shout out to Grechen for the great idea and for asking us to be the first one to do this amazing new blog idea.  I hope it gives her readers a little look into the fashionable world of chantal.

xoxo

c.

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Demi Lovato rocks the Elizabeth and James Clara Sequin Tee

You may or may not know this, but I adore sequins.  I love them in everyway – simple details like on a pocket or all over on a cami, I even love them on skirts.  But my new favorite way to wear sequins…  on the shoulder like this Pencey top and on sleeves like this Joie top.

Demi Lovato has the same thoughts. Perfectly paired with distressed jeans, lots of bracelets and some no fuss hair makes the look very cool-girl casual.

I can also see this tee tucked into a bandage skirt from BCBGMaxAzria and some platform pumps.  Or with some [BLANK] skinny cargos  and a pair of suede wedge boots.

The ideas are endless for ways to wear this amazing trend. And the season is upon us to add a little Sparkle.

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Katy Perry in Nanette Lepore

We loved this dress when we ordered it — way back when, but when we saw Katy Perry wearing it on the cover of Lucky Magazine, we were even more excited. Not only is the dress beautiful, but we adore the individual style of Katy Perry – making it even more exciting.

The dress just arrived in Royal Blue and it is as stunning as we remember. With a beautiful one-shoulder, overlapping, sweetheart neckline and tie knot, the dress is flattering on every figure.  Pleat detailing on the bustline accents the beautiful fit.  We also love the pleat details on the back and the hidden zipper for a totally, flawless look.

We can’t wait to pair this lovely dress with the new Pour La Victoire Irina Platform Heel, GemmaRedux Chaos earrings and Commando Sexy Stripes Tights.

Holiday Parties …. here we come!

Order the Nanette Lepore La Marocain Dress here. Or stop in the store located at 229 Commercial Street, Portland.

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With it’s coveted claim to comfort “the softest denim in the industry”, Genetic Denim has long been a favorite at shopchantal.com.  Not only because they are truely the most comfortable, soft denim on the market, but the styles and fits are amazing.

Anna Kendrick

Kate Beckinsale

Halle Berry

Jessica Alba

Celebrities are also in love with Genetic (see photos).  Sienna Miller, Reese Witherspoon, Kristen Stewart, Jennifer Garner, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez have also been photographed in several pairs of Genetic – proving that they really are fans. And our very own Mainer: Anna Kendrick wears them too!

chantal. and shopchantal.com carries several washes and styles from Genetic including fan favs: The Shane Skinny, The Riley Bootcut, The Kelly Flare, The Twig and a store fav – The Davis Slouchy Skinny.

With several new washes including a Velvet dark blue Shane Skinny and a Convertible Hem Cigarette in Zinc, we are sure there is a fit and wash that is a must have for your closet.

Stop in or shop online and develop your own denim crush on Genetic. It will be a long lasting love – we promise!

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www.whowhatwear.

I’m a huge fan of www.whowhatwear.com  and just had to post this page from their website showing “runway to real way“.  It’s one of my favorite things they do on their site. What I like so much about this post is that our focus this season at shopchantal.com is all about “mixing it up”.

Seen here, this “Gossip Girl” actress (“Eva”) pairs together a beaded blazer over a long tee with velvet trouser and motorcycle boots.  What a great look and so easy to do.

We’ve always love the pairing of different designers, but the pairing of different textures and prints is giving us newfound freedom with our styling. 

Mix together a Faux Fur Jacket with a Joie beaded top for an unexpected pairing of textures.  Add some dark denim from DL1961 for the perfect updated style.

Mix your sequins with suede for a more casual look.  We love the Nanette Lepore Star Gazing Top paired with the Botkier Prince Crossbody (shown as clutch) in Navy Suede and the Joie Coachella Over-the-Knee boot in Mud.  Yes, you can mix your suedes – it’s so fresh.

Leather and Lace have had a long standing relationship, but not always in the most sophisticated of ways. This season is different with the Ladylike trend leading the way in how we are wearing our dresses and what accessories are appropriate.  This Nanette Lepore dress and the Joie Lace Dress are two beautiful, ladylike dresses that can be paired with leather in a way that is chic and totally acceptable. Belts are an obsession at shopchantal and now with all the exotic skins, studded details and even zippers, we are going crazy with this pairing of leather with lace. Clutches and bags are another great way to “mix it up”.

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Leaf Stitch

It’s true, scarves are a must have no matter where you live.  We especially appreciate them as the evenings get cooler here in the NorthEast.

One designer we love to praise for their ingenuity of a “must-have” scarf is Me & Kashmiere.  This is our fifth season with the brand and each season it only gets better and better.This season, with the trends being so dominate, Me & Kashmiere is right there at the fore front. Here are a few highlights to share how you can wear these beauties in the hottest hues and prints.

Military

I love the subtly these prints and colors allow. Get a touch of the military trend with the use of Olive, but still have a very wearable print with the additional shades of feminine pinks and reds mixed in. Paired with a blazer and white button up, this scarf is going to be the perfect addition to your accessories closet. Want a more “traditional” military camo print? Check out these versions.

Minimalist

Skull

This is a great scarf for those of us still clinging to the motorcycle trend, yet want to show it in a more soft manner this fall.   A soft, muted tone-on-tone palette is a great way to wear the minimalist trend. Minimalist is the perfect way to describe this Skull Print Scarf.  Of course, pair it with a clean, sleek tee and dark skinny jeans and boots to carry the full look.  I myself can’t let go and will be wearing the Blush/Black version of this scarf.

Chic Chevron

Ladylike

Nothing says “Ladylike” more  than this Chic Chevron Print. With a beautiful color mix of browns and purple tones, the graphic print is undeniable.  Perfectly paired with a form fitting Shoshanna Peplum dress and pointed toe sling backs, this is a look for the ages. We love the version in blacks and greys  just as much.

Reptile Print

Animal Print

A trend that never seems to get old, it just keeps getting better.  One way to wear this continuing trend is with a scarf.  And not just any scarf, a beautiful, cashmere scarf.  Whether you prefer a Snake print, a Reptile print or maybe you prefer the Cats, the animal prints are sure to win your heart much faster than the real thing.

See the full collection of solids, prints and ombre’s from Me & Kashmiere at chantal. and shopchantal.com

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It’s long been thought that Summer is the time to have fun with color, but now Fall is following suite. This season designers have embraced the color wheel and the combinations are so complementary.

We love the mix of military green with the softness of lilac as with this Rebecca Taylor Ostrich Cami and Elizabeth and James Band Jacket. The raw edges of this jacket are a pefect juxtaposition to the soft, fly aways of the cami- don’t you think!

And you must admit, the use of purples and greens and greys doesn’t sound very pretty, but EDUN proves you wrong with this gorgeous silk, asymmetrical hem dress in those exact colors. We love it paired back to the Joie Coachella “must have” boot of the season (Yes, the color is called “mud”).

For a softer version, check out Shoshanna’s Snow Leopard Dress. Animal prints are taking on the new hues as well and this one is stunning – edgy, fun and really wearable. The charcoal and blush tones are perfect for next spring too!

Rebecca Taylor Shirt Dress

We also are loving a softer palettes of beige and taupe like this Rebecca Taylor Shirt dress topped off with an bold accessory or top in a punch of red or mixed with an eggplant purple.  Very chic.

Me & Kashmiere Ombre Scarf

And don’t forget, a cashmere scarf from Me & Kashmiere in a seasonal color and print goes a long way to show your style.

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People StyleWatch Feature

Obviously you know that Faux Fur is a huge trend for the season. It’s actually been a big trend for few seasons now and it is fast becoming a staple in everyone’s wardrobe. A “must-have” if you will. Celebrities are wearing lots of faux vests this season. And we love how they wear it their own way although most are wearing them casual with denim.

Worn over tees and tanks with denim cut off shorts and Over the Knee boots, the faux fur vest is a great way to transition into Fall.  Bring it out again in the Spring because this look works in both seasons. 

We love the Rebecca Taylor vest belted with a military inspired belt or add a bit of Embossed Croc for some added texture. My favorite new puff sleeve top from Joie is a great way to wear a long sleeve with a pop of the season’s hot color.

The vest has been a big hit, but we are also loving the new Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Faux Fur Vest Jacket.  This piece has a fabric back with a mixed Suede sleeve that sports a 1/4 sleeve zipper detail.  Pair this jacket over a gorgeous black dress for a night out.  We love it paired over the Joie Beaded top with some jeans and shoe booties for a casual, yet sophisticated look.

The Graham & Spencer Faux Fur vest in Ivory and in Black is sure to arrive any day now.  We just had to get both because it is the perfect piece to wear with a graphic tee, hoodie and, of course, denim and wedge boots. 
I’m thinking I’ll go for the black version so I can pair it with my favorite new Botkier Ava Hobo handbag.  Love the mermaid green against black.

What about you? How will you wear Faux this season?

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New Oonagh by Nanette Lepore

Oonagh just keeps delivering the most amazing pieces including Fall’s collection of wool and cashmere sweaters and dresses.

JUST IN:

The Matteo Sweater Dress (see above photo on right) with it’s draped shoulder, cut-out detail offset by the ribbed sleeve is sure to be paired with the new pattern tights of the season.  We are thinking a fishnet stripe or leopard in black from Commando.

The Santo

The Salvatore (see above photo left) is the perfect mix of beautiful, soft cashmere in a menswear inspired piece. A double – zip hoodie with an attached button up vest in a contrast color is a must for those who love a hoodie, but want to step up to a more feminine silhouette. We love it layered over the faux fur jacket from Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent.

See these and many other new Oonagh pieces at chantal. Available online at shopchantal.com soon.

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You know you love all the Commando by Her Look. Whether it is the thong, boyshort, girlshort, cami’s, tanks or the wonderful slips ( I love, love, love the strapless), something from Commando is sure to be in your closet.  If it isn’t, you really need to check their go to styles out as well as their new items we have available.

Featured in recent issues of People Stylewatch  and on www.luckymag.com, both publications are already fans of the newest addition to the Her Look family.

Yes, Commando is doing Legwear.  And not just any ol’ tights, they are doing luxury legwear using their patent- pending, laser- cut technology.

Available in patterns, ribbed and stripes and the true “must-have” … opaque in both brown and black, you will want to pair these tights with all your favorite looks of the season. We are loving the leopard.  So fun, yet so wearable with many pieces this season.

Commando tights also have the fabulous waistband feature that we love so much.  ”No binding, No bulging” is what Commando says.  We say “no rolling, no pinching and no ghastly seams.”  These tights give a smooth silhouette that shows off your waistline, not your waistband.  Who doesn’t love that!

Five styles are now available at shopchantal.com and in store at chantal.  Check out the new styles and sizes (see designer size chart) for your first and NOT last pair of Commando tights.

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Shopchantal was just included in a wonderful article by a local social media guru and his great team of internet marketers.  Flyte New Media Director/owner/social media lover, Rich Brooks was kind enough to give us a shout out on our Twitter efforts. He even included a screen shot of one of our tweets.

The article, How to use Facebook and Twitter to drive traffic to your Retail Shop, posted this past week and we’ve been getting a very positive response and lots of new followers for us on Twitter.

However, we  learned that we need to step it up a notch on Facebook.  You will see our blog posted on our Fan Page, but we are not as committed to updating as we should be – according to Brooks.

So, you heard it here first, we are going to make our Facebook Fan Page for shopchantal.com a more “interesting” place for you to visit and comment. We also promise to update it more frequently so that your Facebook Fan admiration will soon be equal to your admiration for us on Twitter and lest not forget…. IRL  (in real life) at chantal. ( I <3 txtg n the abbrv’s r my fav, sorry).

Thanks to Rich and Flyte New Media for including us. And also, check out the other wonderful local businesses he mentions. I’m going to go Fan them and Follow them all now.

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We always love the looks that Kristin Cavallari puts together and this one is one of our favs. The Hill star paired together a leather jacket, the coveted Coco Duffel and most importantly, the Pour la Victoire Darien Booties.

We love the look of these boots with it’s rugged sole and sky high heel, but the exposed zipper and toe buckle take it to another level.  We adore Kristin’s laid back Cali-girl look with denim and pull back pony. It works great with the tough accessories.

But don’t put these boots in a corner.  They may look tough and a bit rugged, but they work so beautifully back to draped dresses and ruffle tops. The mix creates a tomboy chic look that we love.

Pair these boots back to the amazing Joie Denver Leather Shorts and some patterned tights, a soft yet structural sweater from Rebecca Taylor and you have a whole other style that looks amazing and so put together.

We paired the boots with the New Fall Treesje Crave bag and found it was the perfect way to wear theladylike look.

Pour La Victoire Darien Mid Floater Bootie – available in Black $352.00 at shopchantal.com

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tre emerged from a fabulous friendship between designers Marisa Brown and Ulrica Lanaro. Their shared passion for unique and bold fashion inspired them to create tre: a collection of glass accessories specifically rings now available at shopchantal.com.

But, the passion doesn’t stop there. tre also has a passion for the environment. Every time you purchase a tre accessory, they plant a tree on your behalf.  One tre. One tree. It’s that simple.

We love that.  But we also love the the fun fashion these rings bring to any outfit.  Whether you love a bold, Lemon drop yellow Anita or the metallic gold of the Nina Bubble (Chantal’s top pick) to the super, subtle yet oh, so chic Monica Ring in Sahara smoke these beautiful, glass rings will add an element of surprise and fashion to everyday outfits.

See the every expanding collection in store or online.  And get excited to plant a tree and look fabulous everywhere you go.

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As seen in InStyle September 2010 issue, page 165.

As the 2010 Winner of the Independent Handbag Designer Award, Follis is the newest addition of handbag designers available at shopchantal.

Hosted at Parsons The New School for Design by InStyle Magazine And Handbag Designer 101, Follis Designer, Catherine Meyer won for Best in Overall Style and Design for her Laced Julia bag (available in October at shopchantal). With judges from Kate Spade and presenters like Tim Gunn of Project Runway, this event is considered the Oscars of Indie Purses.

“The Laced Julia is a versatile, everyday bag, but the details lend a bit of edge.” says Meyer. We couldn’t agree more and are so excited and proud to have Follis as part of our ever-expanding designer handbag assortment.

The Laced Julia will be available in October in Chocolate Leather and retails at $373.

Please click here to pre order this bag online

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I’m not going to insult anyone by suggesting that you don’t already know how important the Military trend is to fashion this season.  Everyone is interpreting the trend in their own way which makes it not only more fun, but more interesting than some of the other hot, seasonal trends.

We all have our own individual style here at shopchantal and yes, we are all influenced by the pieces from our fabulous designers.  Obviously, so are others out there in the world.

Vogue did an amazing September issue and included in this huge issue is a great spread “Green Days” which focuses on the Military trend.  Included in this spread is Brooklyn Decker,  a gorgeous “it” girl/model is shown wearing Elizabeth and James’ Band Jacket in Olive Green which is available online at shopchantal.

We could go into a dozen different ways to wear this jacket (because we have that many, really), but we’d love to hear how you’d wear this jacket.  Let us know.  Leave a comment or send us a photo.

In the meantime, if you need some inspiration, check out our Military Influenced pieces here and pick up September issue of Vogue too- it’s worth every penny.

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Everyone, no matter what your fashion interest is or where your fashion taste lies, can agree on one thing: a Little Black Dress is essential in every wardrobe, in every season.

And this Fall is no different.  You will need an LBD for some occasion or event.  The difference this season is that the selection is vast and the return of the Ladylike Looks make it easy to pick the perfect dress for you.

We love the long sleeved mini dress and were so delighted that Joie did a version in black lace.  With a beautiful hemline and neckline, this is a dress we found delightful and fun. 

A little mix of some leather gloves from Carolina Amato, booties from Pour La Victoire and a chunky bracelet and voila, you have the unexpected LBD complete.

In a more traditional manner –  a beautiful heel from Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, a clutch from Botkier some stunning earrings from GEMMA REDUX can make this dress Black Tie worthy.

Graham & Spencer does pieces like no other and they have a clientele to prove it.  This drape sleeve dress is a classic LBD with a fashion forward twist.  The sharp shoulder is a must have this season and having done this sleeve last season (we had it for about 2.2 seconds before it sold out), they are experts at creating a drape sleeve that makes a statement with any painful sharp encounters.

Worn with a Alex and Ani Horn Necklace and a Streets ahead Leopard and Studded Twist belt takes this dress one step closer to LBD nirvana.

Sometimes a jersey dress just has it all and this LNA is one of those times.  A racerback style with a gorgeous, drape neck cowl extending the entire length of this mini make for a fresh statement. Accessorize with a statement necklace and an on-trend Ladylike Leather handbag from Treesje.

Worn with tights and an over the knee boot, we also love this dress layered under a cropped jacket or chunky sweater wrap.

Which LBD will you take on this season and how will you make it your own?  That is the beauty of the LBD- it can be a blank canvas for you to do with it what you please. We look forward to showing you our ideas and seeing your ideas as well.

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The one piece that I was looking forward more than anything this fall is the leather short.  I realize that to some a leather short is a bit of reach, but for those willing to take a chance and try them, we promise you will not be disappointed.

The Joie Denver Leather Short is a beautiful piece that is so wearable.  It is just how you choose to put it together.  It needs to worn in a way that best reflects you and what you feel the most comfortable wearing.

To give you some ideas, we styled this Hot Fall Trend 3 ways.

Classic – a style that never goes out… of style. The key is the downplay of the pieces and up play of the accessories.

Wear the short to work with a little jacket or out for a day of shopping with some short, flat boots.  Top with a button up shirt by Elizabeth and James,  a fun statement piece of jewelry (we chose a Streets Ahead belt) like Gemma Redux or a simple glass bauble ring from TRE, add a wide, strappy heel and a grocery style bag from Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent.

For Night – Perfect for a date night out or a girls night on the town.  We love this Graham & Spencer Lace Back Cami because the lace is subtle, yet sexy.  Not sure you want to share the lace? throw on a Blazer.  This whole outfit is so on-trend with Leather and Lace. The Pour La Victoire Short Bootie is a great way to toughen up this really girly look.

This look would be great with a open toe bootie as well.

For Day – The cool Fall days and nights are quickly upon us so we love that these shorts are super versatile when paired with a tight.  We chose a patterned style (stylists own), but you can do an opaque Plush tight too.  The military-esque details on this Rebecca Taylor sweater is perfected with it’s soft lilac color.  Another way to wear the popular military style  - YOUR way.  Pair this cozy, easy yet sophisticated look with a rugged bootie or an over the knee, flat boot (available soon at shopchantal.com and in store at chantal.).

A statement bag is a must for all these looks.  A gorgeous gold studded Crossbody bag from Treesje or if you dare, the Botkier Ava Slouchy Hobo in Metallic Mermaid would be amazing.

Have fun with fashion this Fall.  Check out our lookbook and trends sections for more fabulous ideas.  We are updating the layouts and look of the site too.

And you can always visit us at the store. We love and live for helping customers try new looks.

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Fore Front Fashion recently launched a new blog that highlights the amazing street style fashions of Portland Maine and beyond.  And they are featuring Chantal.  in their Shop Talk Section this month.

In regards to a Street Style Blog: We say “it’s about time!”.  We’ve always appreciated the vibe of Portland fashion and love that our customers and others can now be applauded for their style.  The stylish could be featured on the new blog that has a beautiful, clean style and a great voice from writer, Laura, and fun photography by Nate.

When we received the email about the new blog, we responded immediately and asked “where do we sign up?”.   Not only did we get a quick response, but we were told we were on the top of the list for a store feature in their Shop Talk section. Yeah!  WIth our new move to 229 Commercial Street, we just a quickly responded with a huge YES!

So, check out this great new Portland blog. Read it, comment on it, support it and it’s partners and nominate your favorite street style fashionista and maybe they will get featured.  I think most of it is unplanned “On the Street Style”, but it’s still worth a shot. They do welcome it.  You can email them or follow them on Twitter: @forefrontfash

See the amazing blog they did on Chantal. featuring pics of Chantal (unheard of by those who know her) and shots of the beautiful new store on Commercial Street.

Thanks Fore Front Fashion and welcome to the crazy world of Portland fashion. We are a city full of stylish, beautiful individuals. We look forward to seeing you around.

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